Avon property owners required to install sidewalks

AVON — The city’s continued development means 55 property owners who don’t have sidewalks on their land must install them at their expense.

The property owners who will have to install sidewalks, as part of a resolution passed by City Council last month, live on Chester Road from Traveler’s Point west to Moore Road (south side), state Route 83 from Kinzel Road to Detroit Road (west side), Detroit Road from Kline Ditch to Veterans Memorial Park (south side), and 4471 Nagel Road (former Hickerson property).

That last property is potentially facing the biggest bill —- $8,750 when a figure of $25 per lineal foot is used — a figure worked out by the city engineer. It is one of the largest parcels in the areas that is affected by the resolution, Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen said. The cost for other properties in the area depends on how large the parcel is.

Sidewalks were deemed necessary for the areas under an Ohio law that gives the city the right to require sidewalks when more than 75 percent of the front footage between two identified points is developed.

The new middle school, to be built at 3445 Long Road, is the impetus behind the push. Residents on Long Road also will be asked to install sidewalks, too, if the city is unsuccessful at securing grants to pay for the walkways near the school, Jensen said.

In all, the total cost of the sidewalks will be about $376,000, Jensen said. Some of that will be covered by the city, such as a portion of state Route 83 near the Miller Nature Preserve and near Kline Ditch. The city will install bridges and sidewalks at a cost of $125,000 to $155,000 for each area, he said.

Those property owners who are required to install sidewalks should do so by Sept. 30, or the city will install sidewalks at the property owner’s cost.